Function: A Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) with a long history of service with USN/USMC forces.



History: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are either remotely or autonomous pilotless drones typically used for reconnaissance. UAVs can trace their roots back to the AQM-34N Firebee. Derived from the Ryan Aeronautical Company Firebee sub-sonic target drone, the AQM-34N had a range of more than 2,400 miles, could fly above 65,000 feet, and had a top speed of 420 miles per hour. During the Vietnam war the Firebee recon drones were made more maneuverable and equipped with electronic countermeasures and jamming equipment to defend them from surface to air missiles and air interception.



UAVs are generally equipped with a payload bay which can house a variety of sensor packages, allowing mission planners to tailor the UAV's sensors for a specific mission requirement.



UAVs are generally divided into two categories: Tactical and Endurance. Tactical UAVs typically have a range of at least 200km while Endurance UAVs have a range beyond 200km.







Background: Pioneer was delivered to the Navy in 1986 and the Marine Corps in 1987. It operates from land sites and ships pre-equipped for UAVs. Pioneer systems are currently maintained in a contingency status.









?General Characteristics, RQ-2 Pioneer UAV





Prime Contractor:

Pioneer UAV, Inc.







Mission:

Pre-programmed, manual; manual launch and recovery







Wingspan:

17 feet







Length:

14 feet







Speed:

Maximum: 96 mph













Endurance:

6 hours on station at maximum range







Range:

115 miles







Weight:

Empty: 450 lbs.







Payloads:

EO, IR







Date Deployed:

1986 (Navy)

1987 (Marines)